Whether Canadians want to step inside a sultry cocktail lounge or sip a pint at an inviting pub, the cross-country panelists at Canada's Best 100 named their top 50 bars for 2025.
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1. Bar Pompette, Toronto, Ont. This Parisian-style café nestled in Toronto’s Little Italy neighbourhood reigns supreme for yet another year (and apparently it has a hidden patio out back, just in time for summer). (Stacey Brandford)
2. Cloakroom Bar, Montreal, Que. This 25-seat cocktail bar is tucked behind a menswear shop in Montreal’s Golden Square Mile. (Melika Daz)
3. Civil Liberties, Toronto, Ont. A neighbourhood cocktail bar that, while it has no menu, boasts knowledgeable bartenders who will concoct a beverage made just for you. (Kaz Marcano)
4. The Keefer Bar, Vancouver, B.C. Right in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown, cocktail enthusiasts can step inside this apothecary-inspired bar. (@jun0k)
5. Atwater Cocktail Club, Montreal, Que. Anyone looking for a cocktail that pushes the boundaries through a wide range of spirits can step inside this speakeasy. (Groupe Barroco)
6. Library Bar, Toronto, Ont. Guests looking to imbibe in the historic Fairmont Royal York hotel can head to this art deco-inspired bar nestled right by the lobby. (Rick O'Brien)
7. Prophecy, Vancouver, B.C. In the basement of the near-century-old Hotel Georgia is Prophecy, a swanky cocktail bar with a variety of beverages ranging from the herbaceous to the "spiritous." (Maggie Lam)
8. Missy's This & That, Calgary, Alta. Nearly hidden on top of a neighbourhood convenience store, this unpretentious cocktail bar offers unique cocktails and a notable wine list. (Asim Overstands)
9. Cocktail Bar, Toronto, Ont. This west-end cocktail bar has been a neighbourhood staple since 2011. (Tara Newell)
10. jjacques, Quebec City, Que. Tucked away on a quiet side street in Quebec City sits this sophisticated oyster and wine bar with a travel-themed cocktail menu. (Alma Kismic)
11. Cry Baby Gallery, Toronto, Ont. Past the whitewashed-brick facade of this west end Toronto gallery lies this warmly-lit cocktail bar, with a whisky and amari selection that Canada's Best says "punches way up." (Rick O'Brien @rickettes)
12. Mother, Toronto, Ont. Just on the southernmost end of Trinity Bellwoods Park is Mother, which serves "fermentation-focused drinks" and an "ambitious" cocktail menu, Canada's Best says. (Gwenola Seignoux)
13. Dear Friend Bar, Dartmouth, N.S. Credited as one of the first legitimate cocktail bars across the Halifax Harbour, this cozy spot serves a selection of unique drinks from a tequila-forward Sgt. Pepperoni to the Almond Croissant, an almond-infused take on an Old Fashioned. (Patrick Fulgencio)
14. Bar Mordecai, Toronto, Ont. This sumptuous Dundas West bar boasts a stellar cocktail menu and a variety of colourful themed rooms for karaoke nights out with friends. (Igor Aldomar)
15. Doc's Green Door Lounge, Toronto, Ont. This bar poses as a café by day and a classic lounge by night, with martinis made however way you’d like. (Ashley van der Laan)
16. Proof, Calgary, Alta. Cocktail connoisseurs can sip on high-end spirits right in the heart of Calgary's trendy Beltline neighbourhood, where there are classic cocktails and unique concoctions to try. (Callum Johnston)
17. Laowai, Vancouver, B.C. Those looking for a speakeasy can head over to Laowai, tucked behind an unassuming dumpling shop in Vancouver’s Chinatown. (JOSHUA NEUFELD)
18. The Narrows Public House, Halifax, N.S. This local pub set inside a 19th century home, which survived the Halifax Explosion in 1917, serves classic pub dinners and hand-pumped cask ale. (Jessica Emin)
19. The Coldroom, Montreal, Que. This cocktail bar is the quintessential speakeasy, Canada's Best says, as those who want a spot inside have to ring a bell above a handless door and wait to be let in. (Jeanne Provost)
20. Botanist, Vancouver, B.C. Above the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel’s lobby lounge, those looking for an exquisite meal and a sophisticated cocktail can head over to Botanist (which happened to crack Canada’s Best 100 Restaurants list too). (MARK YUEN)
21. 1608, Quebec City, Que. Those who want a cocktail with a view of the St. Lawrence River can step inside the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and take a seat at the circular brass bar at 1608. (Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac)
22. Humboldt Bar, Victoria, B.C. This cocktail bar right in downtown Victoria draws inspiration from Alexander von Humboldt’s work for their menu, with drinks inspired by the German naturalist’s discoveries and stories. (Andrea Conforti)
23. Bar Banane, Toronto, Ont. Nestled on Toronto’s restaurant-riddled Ossington Avenue, the cocktail menu at this bar serves a variety of drinks from the mandarin gin-infused Sonic the Hedgehog to the espresso-laden Slap Dash. (IanCompton)
24. Paper Lantern, Calgary, Alta. Tucked downstairs in one basement located in Calgary’s Chinatown, guests can sip on a variety of tropical, Vietnam-inspired drinks. (Paper Lantern)
25. Pop Wine Bar, Saskatoon, Sask. This bar, dubbed a natural wine bar in the “Paris of the Prairies,” offers a notable selection of cocktails and low intervention wines. (Ty Young)
26. XXX, Toronto, Ont. Guests who step into this subterranean speakeasy may feel like they've been transported to the 1970s, Canada's Best says, with a menu that packs "rare and elusive spirits." (Rick O'Brien)
27. The Raven Room, Whistler, B.C. Those looking for a cocktail after a day of hitting the slopes can swing by the Pan Pacific Village Centre Hotel and imbibe on a cheekily named cocktail like the Butter Me Up, which is mixed with a spiced butter-washed bourbon and toasted oats and cinnamon cognac. (Leah Kathryn) (Leah Kathryn Photography)
28. Honi Honi Tiki Lounge, Edmonton, Alta. This tropical themed bar uses a danger scale for guests to use to gauge how strong the cocktail is, starting at “pleasure cruise” to “danger ahead!” (Jay Walker)
29. Bar Raval, Toronto, Ont. This pintxo bar, drawing inspiration from the architectural stylings of Antoni Gaudi, has been a College Street staple for the last decade. (Alexa Fernando)
30. Simpl Things, Toronto, Ont. Serving Italian food by day and Taiwanese snack food at night, this west-end Toronto spot serves signature and seasonal cocktails—plus a respectable martini list. (Joshua Kobayashi)
31. Chez Tao!, Quebec City, Que. Those looking for a tropical drink in Quebec City can pop into Chez Tao!, where they have a variety of daiquiris, pina coladas, and creative cocktails served in whimsical glassware. (Lukas Lavoie)
32. Civil Works, Toronto, Ont. A sister spot to Civil Liberties, guests can step inside this art deco inspired spot to imbibe on a quirky beverage. (Hector Vaszquez)
33. BarChef, Toronto, Ont. This lounge goes beyond just serving drinks, some cocktails provide a multi-sensory experience like the Spring Thaw, pictured here, which is surrounded by spring blooms and greens. (Leanne Solarik)
34. Brasserie Dunham, Dunham, Que. Coined as one of Canada's "most progressive breweries," Canada's Best says this old stagecoach inn has a beer list spilling with "curiosity-piquing pours." (Mathieu Dupuis)
35. Rain Dog Bar, Calgary, Alta. This bar comes with an extensive, ever-changing menu of brews, and those at a loss for what to pick can tap the expertise of Bill Bonar, Alberta’s first Certified Cicerone, for suggestions. (Danica Ashmore)
36. Bar Le Mal Necessaire, Montreal, Que. This trendy tropical bar serves a mix of vacation-worthy drinks, including one seemingly inspired by Toronto rapper Drake called Champagne Papi (a blend of Hennessy, Canadian Club Rye and passion fruit). (VINCENT CASTONGUAY)
37. Gift Shop, Toronto, Ont. This cozy cocktail den in the middle of Ossington has a notable list of original cocktails and timeless classics. (Rick O'Brien @rickettes)
38. Slice of Life, Toronto, Ont. This intimate cocktail bar with its illuminating backdrop serves concoctions showcasing regional ingredients, like pine and cucumber from a family farm in Muskoka to rhubarb and pear from Collingwood. (Nazar Pashchynskyi)
39. Bar Bello, Montreal, Que. Touted as Canada’s first aperitivo bar, this spot serves an expansive list of Italian amari and vermouth. (GIUSEPPE PUGLIESE)
40. Prequel & Co, Toronto, Ont. This apothecary-inspired lounge, and sister spot to BarChef further west on Queen Street, serves a variety of spirits, including absinthe from France. (Leanne Solarik)
41. Godspeed Brewery, Toronto, Ont. This east-end brewery draws inspiration from Czech-style lagers and infuses Japanese ingredients to serve a variety of brews to those who step inside. (Max Morin)
42. Writers Room, Toronto, Ont. This rooftop bar serves a variety of concoctions inspired by Canadian authors, like the Bitter Relief that pays homage to Margaret Atwood. (Joe Thomas)
43. Citrus & Cane, Victoria, B.C. This midcentury tropical lounge comes packed with cocktails meant for lying at the beach as well as for when guests are “feeling boujee.” (Johann Vincent)
44. Parlor, Saskatoon, Sask. This prohibition-inspired lounge serves a variety of “hooch” and “libations,” including one cocktail served with a 44-year-old whisky, called Vieux From The Top, going for $236. (Garret Kendel, King Rose Visuals)
45. Shelter Cocktail Bar, Calgary, Alta. This grungy, post-apocalyptic-esque cocktail lounge is packed with a menu of creative concoctions, including a variety of seasonal selections. (Phil Crozier)
46. Business & Pleasure, Calgary, Alta. Like the name that this Inglewood spot suggests, the cocktail menu serves a selection of cocktails for the post-5 p.m. buzz and a notable discount on bottles of wine and charcuterie all day each Wednesday. (Murray Bunton)
47. Bisou Bisou, Montreal, Que. Right in the heart of Old Montreal sits this Mediterranean-style aperitivo bar with a notable list of amari, sherry and vermouth. (Jeanne Provost)
48. Bagheera, Vancouver, B.C. Those looking to imbibe at this speakeasy have to bypass the faux bookie at the Happy Valley Turf Club out front before stepping inside a glimmering bar car, where they can sip on The Jungle Book-inspired cocktails. (Joshua Neufeld)
49. Salon Baldin, Montreal, Que. This hi-fi lounge often has DJs and jazz groups coming to perform and a cocktail list featuring unique flavours from shiitake mushroom to jalapeño. (Soul Studio)
50. Compton Ave., Toronto, Ont. Drawing inspiration from the streets of London, England, guests can sip on a variety of classics, martinis, and a rotating selection of cocktails on-tap. (Leanne Solarik)
